Why is Earth such an incredible planet?

Why Take This Course?

Earth Science A helps students see how Earth fits into our universe!

Hurtling through space at the rate of 30,000 miles per hour is a relatively tiny blue marble which boasts the only known life in the universe. Where did this remarkable planet come from? How does it maintain life conditions, where all of its sister worlds are so hostile to life? In Earth Science we will study just that: the Science of Earth. We will see how the interactions between the Earth, its Moon and the Sun create weather, how the motions of tectonic plates form continents, volcanoes and earthquakes. And what conditions exist on our world to encourage life, and thus, what to look for in other worlds if we wish to discover if we are alone in the cosmos. Start thinking like a scientist and prepare for our other amazing science courses!

Course Framework

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

What is the universe and where did it come from?

What makes up our galaxy and how do we fit?

How is Earth an organism and how does it rely on rocks, water and energy?

What is the big picture of our Earth's past, present and future?

What is science and what tools do I need to study it?

How does our solar system work?

How does the earth function as a system?

How does oxygen affect the evolution of cells and how do species coevolve?

How was our universe formed?

What is gravity and what can it teach us?

How are rocks formed and shaped?

What is our current big picture view of the earth?

How does energy exist in the universe and what does it teach me about the universe?

What characteristics allow life to exist on Earth?

How do I measure the history of the earth scientifically?

What does the future hold for me and my earth?

How is the universe organized?

What can I learn about the creation of the earth and solar system from the water and rocks on Earth?

Texts and Materials Students Must Purchase

Author

Title

Marcia Bjornerud

Reading the Rocks: The Autobiography of the Earth

Patrick Moore

Bang! The Complete History of the Universe

Details

Recommended Grade:9th (Freshman)

Prerequisites:None

Versions & Estimated Weekly Hours: 7*

Format: Live / Self-paced

Credits: 0.5

Miscellaneous household materials required for experiments.

Some experiments may require small additional purchases.

*Science students spend at least one hour a day learning science and completing science assignments, plus two hours a week in live class sessions